Formality in Irish (Foirmiúlacht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for formality?

The Irish for formality is foirmiúlacht (pronounced “FOR-uh-mew-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How to say “formality” in Irish

Irish:: foirmiúlacht
English:: formality
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “FOR-uh-mew-lukht” /ˈfˠɔɾˠəmʲuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: foirmiúlachta, na foirmiúlachta (e.g. leibhéal na foirmiúlachta, the level of formality)

What does “foirmiúlacht” mean?

formality: The quality of being formal, correct and following set conventions in manner, dress or language.Also: formalness, stiffness, ceremoniousness.

“Foirmiúlacht” with the article

Here is foirmiúlacht after the article (an t-alt).

an fhoirmiúlacht

the formality

Lenition: f becomes fh after an (feminine noun)

“Foirmiúlacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using foirmiúlacht, the Irish word for formality.

Ní maith liom foirmiúlacht ar bith ag an mbord.

I don't like any formality at the table.

Bhí an fhoirmiúlacht ag cur isteach ar na haíonna.

The formality was bothering the guests.

Is beag foirmiúlacht a bhíonn sa chlub seo.

There's little formality in this club.

Laghdaigh an múinteoir leibhéal na foirmiúlachta sa rang.

The teacher reduced the level of formality in the class.

Labhair sé le foirmiúlacht a chuir iontas orm.

He spoke with a formality that surprised me.

Tá foirmiúlacht ag baint leis an gcruinniú amárach.

Tomorrow's meeting is a formal affair.

Caitheadh an fhoirmiúlacht i dtraipisí ag an gcóisir.

Formality was thrown aside at the party.

Other nouns in Irish

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Formality in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for formality?

The Irish for formality is foirmiúlacht (pronounced “FOR-uh-mew-lukht”). It’s a feminine noun.

How do you pronounce foirmiúlacht in Irish?

Foirmiúlacht is said like “FOR-uh-mew-lukht” (IPA /ˈfˠɔɾˠəmʲuːl̪ˠəxt̪ˠ/).

Does foirmiúlacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for foirmiúlacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Why does foirmiúlacht change to fhoirmiúlacht or bhfoirmiúlacht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) foirmiúlacht becomes m'fhoirmiúlacht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bhfoirmiúlacht (eclipsis).

Does 'foirmiúlacht' mean a formality in the sense of a mere procedure?

Not usually; for 'a mere formality' Irish often says 'gnás' or 'ní raibh ann ach cúrsa foirme'. 'Foirmiúlacht' is mainly the quality of being formal.

Formality in Irish (Foirmiúlacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage